HYPNOTIC EXHIBITIONS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 20 September 1913, Page 5

HYPNOTIC EXHIBITIONS.

. (To the.Editor.) Since the Norwoods were announced for their return visit, I have been waiting in vain for some protest to aopear in the press against what appears to me to be an abuse of the power of hypnotism, as practised by entertainers. Is there no law to present the exhibition before a jeering crowd of some of our weaker-minded youths? It is often given as an excuse that the "subjects", attend of their own free will. Let us suppose ihey do. Is that any excuse? What dbes the law do with those who, 6? their own free will, throw away their senses by excessive drinking? A hypnotic subject has lost temporary control of his brain more completely than any drunken man, and what is worse, the hypnotical brain is in the controL of another, who may play on it, and distort it to suit his own fancy. I wonder how many would attend these exhibitions if each of the audience in turn had to become the subject? Should those who are strong enough to resist this influence stand on one side and see their weaker brethren made the dirges of strangers? We have societies in New Zealand which at times are greatly agitated about the cruelty of coursing hares' with greyhounds, and a Dunedin society recently discovered the important faot that the hare's torture was mental, rather than physical. But the mental and perhaps physical injury done to human beings calls for no comment from them. Unfortunately the women, who at least may be expected to shun such entertainments,' are the greatest patrons. Trusting that you will give this protest" prominence in youi* columns. —I am, etc., PARENT. -'-Masterton, Sept. 19, 1913. [Out* correspondent has opened up a wide -subject. Many medical men employ hypnotism, and with good effects. Our correspondent furnishes no evidence that the young men who are 'hypnotised nt public entertainments suffer ill effects, or that the hypnotists abuse their power of control.—Ed. Age.];.